Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Pacific Beach, Washington (Lodging, Dining, and Sightseeing)

Pacific Beach State Park

We spent three days visiting Pacific Beach, which is located south of Olympic National Park and north of Ocean Shores on the Washington State coast. Our friends Adam and Liz also joined us on this weekend trip, which took us about three hours to reach from Seattle.

This entry will document lodging, dining, and sightseeing in Pacific Beach. I also have two other entries from the trip that discuss our day-trip to Lake Quinaultand our visit to the town of Ocean Shores.

Lodging: After having had so many wonderful experiences renting condos through VRBO, I decided to, once again, peruse the website for a place to stay for this particular weekend. The Coastal Nest Cottage, with one of the highest number of ratings for places on the Washington State coast, stood out to me immediately. Since we were traveling with another couple, a two bedroom place was a must. Additionally, the design scheme inside the house looked almost too good to be true. And finally, at a rate of only $160 per night, I knew it was a solid choice.

Upon arrival at our little cottage, all of the hype that was mentioned of the house on VRBO was lived up to and then some. As we walked inside the bright and airy space, there was soft music playing in the background. The interior of the house was decorated in a classy yet whimsical beach/nautical theme that was definitely deserving of it being featured in Fresh Cottage Magazine. It was obvious that so much thought and attention was throw into every last little detail; it was incredibly fun to photograph! The house featured two full bedrooms, one of which featured french doors that opened up to a deck. The back yard had a fire pit, which we enjoyed for several hours on one of our nights. The kitchen was fully equipped with all of the necessary utensils, cookware, and serving pieces that you would need in order to cook a full meal. Unfortunately, we only booked two nights at the cottage but should have booked a minimum of three. All of us were tremendously sad to leave the quaint little cottage and hope to return again!

No detail was left forgotten, including the sand dollars that lined the exterior of the house!

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Our first view of the house as we walked in.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

One of the beautiful bedrooms at the Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

The second bedroom at the Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

The bathroom at the Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

There were lovely shells placed all around the cottage.

Coastal Nest Cottage in Pacific Beach, Washington.

Dining: We didn't partake in very much dining out in the Pacific Beach area but we did manage to eat at two places. Be aware that Pacific Beach is a tiny little town with just a few dining options.

Emily's Confection: With just one review on Yelp, I was weary of stopping in but since it looked so cute from the exterior I had high hopes. This tiny cozy cafe serves coffee and espresso along with a variety of baked goods. During our morning visit there weren't too many options in the baked goods arena with the exception of cinnamon rolls. Although we had assumed the cinnamon rolls were homemade, they were not so we all left feeling disappointed. I also ordered a white chocolate soy mocha from here, which was no where near close to the one I am accustomed to drinking at Starbucks. The interior ambiance of the cafe was quite nice, with lots of books for customers to read while they enjoy their coffee. However, I probably wouldn't pay another visit unless the quantity and quality of baked goods improved.

Exterior of Emily's Confection in Pacific Beach.

Emily's Confection in Pacific Beach.

Cinnamon roll from Emily's Confection in Pacific Beach.

Seagate Restaurant and Lounge:
We stopped here for an early dinner after visiting Lake Quinault due to the decent reviews it had on Yelp. When we walked in I was a bit confused as it wasn't really a restaurant but technically a bar that served food. Normally I probably would have turned around but since we were all incredibly starving we decided to stick around. Seagate had a surprisingly large menu with lots of different pizza and sandwich options. Liz and I decided to start off with a Cup of Chowder and then I ordered the Prime Rib Dip while Shyawn ordered the Seagate Philly, Liz ordered the Grilled Cheese (with ham), and Adam ordered one of the Bacon Garlic Chicken pizzas. As soon as the clam chowder was placed down in front of us, we knew it was of the canned variety. Such a disappointment, especially considering we were so close to the ocean. My Prime Rib Dip was ok, but certainly nothing to write home about. Shyawn said his Philly was decent although I didn't take a bite. Liz enjoyed her Grilled Cheese and Adam's pizza was okay, but nothing super memorable. Bottom line? We learned not to have great expectations when eating out in such a small town and what we would consider to be a mediocre restaurant in Seattle was seen as an excellent restaurant in these parts.

Sightseeing: Aside from the visiting the beach, there is not much more to do within the city of Pacific Beach. The town is very small and has a tiny but cute shopping area. It's a quiet place with ample opportunity for rest and relaxation.

Pacific Beach, Washington

Pacific Beach, Washington

Pacific Beach, Washington

Pacific Beach, Washington

Typical rental homes in Pacific Beach, Washington

Seabrook: Next to the town of Pacific Beach is another small town called Seabrook, which is a master planned community. The community currently has 200 homes (the majority of which are vacation rentals) one restaurant, a tiny grocery store, and a few shops. The developers of the community have huge plans and in the coming years plan to add several hundred more homes plus more restaurants and shopping. The town is completely pedestrian friendly and as you explore the different neighborhoods it appears as though you are walking through the set of a movie since the homes are literally perfect looking and each one unique. I would love to go back to Seabrook over Thanksgiving and rent one of the huge houses with my family.

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Seabrook, Washington

Beach: Pacific Beach is lucky to be home to Pacific Beach State Park, which is probably one of the nicest and largest beaches on the Washington coast. Prior to visiting Pacific Beach, I had been under the false assumption that all Washington State beaches were rocky and pebbly. Pacific Beach is just the opposite; it actually reminded me very much of Cannon Beach, Oregon as the sand was extremely soft and the beach was wide and expansive. Directly behind the beach are cliffs and beautiful beach homes which really add to the atmosphere. We went two times during our weekend stay and the boys enjoyed flying Adam's stunt kite, which proved to be a lot of fun.

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Pacific Beach State Park

Liz, Adam, and Shyawn getting ready to fly the kite at Pacific Beach State Park,

3 comments:

You are the greatest, Wanderlust Traveler! We appreciate your beautiful review of our sweet Coastal Nest Cottage..Maybe next time you come out you can stay at our other little baby out here, Saltwater Cottage..We would love love love to have you~Lisa and Steve McElliottCoastal Nest and Saltwater Cottages at Pacific Beach <3

Thanks so much for sharing all of these pictures! I have been looking online and asking friends of some fun places to go in Washington state because I am going to be visiting there for the very first time. If your pictures are any indication of how beautiful the state is, then I am definitely looking forward to my trip!

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About Me

I am an avid traveler, amateur photographer, and self-proclaimed foodie whose biggest passion in life involves discovering new places, people, and food. Long ago, I decided to make travel the most important priority in my life.
Traveling has altered my life in more ways than I will ever be able to describe. One of the biggest and most important things traveling has done to me is immensely change the way I measure quality of life. Travel has also broadened my perspectives and helped me realize that not everyone has the so-called “American Dream” and that having less things in life can actually make you a happier and more fulfilled human being. Through my travels I have gained a huge appreciation for cultural, political, and religious differences and diversity.
This blog will allow me to document all of my amazing travels, life-changing experiences, delicious food, and the interesting interactions I encounter as I travel through this very beautiful and diverse world.